Pope expresses solidarity with tornado survivors

Credit: The Associated Press

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass in St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica in Rome, Sunday, April 14, 2013.

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has expressed his "closeness to the families of all who died in the Oklahoma tornado," with special concern for "those who lost young children."

The pope posted a Twitter message to the survivors Tuesday, and followed up with a telegram to the archbishop of Oklahoma City, Paul S. Coakley.

The deadly tornado struck a suburb of Oklahoma City on Monday, destroying homes and an elementary school, and many of the victims were children.

In the telegram, Francis said he remains "conscious of the tragic loss of life and the immensity of the work of rebuilding that lies ahead." The pontiff conveyed to the community "assurance of his solidarity and closeness in prayer."